When speculations fly surrounding the nexus between communist Cuba and the democratic United States, President Bartlet is propelled into a dubious conundrum--that is, to continue secret talks with Cuba's ailing dictator and lift an antiquated embargo or to yield to bi-partisan political fallout and reaffirm 40-year-old sanctions. Meanwhile, Leo and Kate learn that they have more in common than politics when a distant memory of corrupted elections and bar room antics reveal a more intimate connection.
Summary
Cast
Starring
- Dulé Hill as Charlie Young
- Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg
- Mary McCormack as Kate Harper
- Janel Moloney as Donna Moss
- Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler
- John Spencer as Leo McGarry
- Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman
- and Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet
Special Guest Stars
- Brian Dennehy as Senator Rafe Framhagen
- Mark Feuerstein as Cliff Calley
- and Lily Tomlin as Deborah Fiderer
Guest Starring
- NiCole Robinson as Margaret Hooper
- Ryan Cutrona as George Sliger
- Alex Fernandez as Andy Lazon
- Scott MacDonald as Cyrus Yolander
- P.J. Byrne as David Orbitz
- Kevin West as Randy Wysniewsky
Co-Starring
- Kris Murphy as Katie Witt
- Charles Noland as Steve
- Timothy Davis-Reed as Mark O'Donnell
- Manuel Urrego as Civil Man
- Michelle Courtney as Lisa Stanhower
Trivia
Fidel Castro is the only real-life current head of state to be portrayed on The West Wing. All others presidents and prime ministers have been fictional characters.
This episode reveals that Leo is apparently fluent in Spanish.
The story that President Bartlet relates to CJ about President Kennedy sending Pierre Salinger out to find Cuban cigars the night before he signed the embargo against Cuban products is apparently true. More details can be found here.
Goofs
When C.J. Cregg reviews Kate Harper's C.I.A. File, the first two pages are the same. However, the pages have been redacted differently.
Quotes
President Bartlet (quoting Hemmingway): The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.
References
"The West Wing" Ninety Miles Away (2005)
The West Wing Episode Guide